ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Micah 5

Mic. 5:1–15 A new hope for Israel, and for the whole world, comes by means of a new David. His deeds are praised (vv. 1–6) and the influence of the Israelite remnant among the nations is described (vv. 7–9). The chapter concludes with the Lord removing all the idols his people had worshiped (vv. 10–15).

Mic. 5:1 Now. As earlier (4:9, 11), this word signals distress for Zion. Wordplay between muster your troops and daughter of troops suggests Zion is unable to establish an army to defend itself. siege. Probably that of Sennacherib (701 b.c.). strike the judge of Israel. A metaphor of humiliation for Israel’s king, who is now under siege (2 Chron. 32:10).

Mic. 5:2 But you. Both here and in 4:8, these words signal renewed kingship. Bethlehem, where David was born (1 Sam. 17:12), is located in Ephrathah. too little. The unlikely choice of David as king foreshadows the unlikely choice of Bethlehem as the hometown of the greater David, the Messiah. Matthew 2:6 shows that Jewish scholars of Jesus’ day read this as a prediction of the Messiah’s birthplace (see John 7:42). The Messiah’s coming forth (or “origins”) is from of old, from ancient days. The Messiah’s lineage confirms that the ancient covenantal promises made to David still stand (see 2 Sam. 7:16).

Mic. 5:3 he shall give them up. Israel will be ruled by others. his brothers shall return. The Messiah will unite Israel.

Mic. 5:4 he shall stand and shepherd. The Messiah’s rule and protection of Yahweh’s flock are accomplished by Yahweh’s authority and power. dwell secure . . . ends of the earth. God’s greatness ensures that those who return (v. 3) will live without fear.

Mic. 5:5–6 True peace among people is achieved by the Messiah, who overcomes conflict (compare Eph. 2:14). The Assyrian represents the enemies of God’s people. seven shepherds . . . eight princes. This traditional formula (compare Eccles. 11:2) expresses a parallel between the Messiah’s actions and those who faithfully lead in his place. This is seen in the main verbs they shall shepherd . . . he shall deliver.

Mic. 5:7–8 delay not . . . nor wait. Like dew and rain, the remnant of Israel will help other people. God will make this happen. goes through, treads . . . tears . . . none to deliver. The remnant will also defeat its enemies.

Mic. 5:10–11 in that day. See 4:1, 6. The Lord will answer the prayer implied in the wording of 5:9: he will cut off things that compromise the holiness of his people. horses . . . strongholds. Armies and fortresses, rather than the Lord, were often relied on as security against external enemies (compare Isa. 31:1; Hos. 8:14).

Mic. 5:12–13 sorceries . . . tellers of fortunes. Seeking occult knowledge was forbidden to Israel (Deut. 18:10, 14). your carved images . . . your pillars. See Mic. 1:7; Rom. 1:22–23.

Mic. 5:14 Asherah images are wooden images of the Canaanite fertility goddess.

Mic. 5:15 execute vengeance. The Lord alone, as the sovereign ruler, has the right to rescue his people and punish the nations that did not obey. The nations that return to the Lord receive instruction (4:1–2), while those that will not submit to his rule receive destruction (5:15).